Idaho is two-thirds public land and a new Fish and Game program called Access Yes! is opening up more private land every year.

The land is rich with chukars, pheasants, ducks and other upland game birds.

Big game hunting including deer, elk and moose also takes place in the fall in the upper areas of the Wood River Valley.

Overview

Even Ernest Hemingway and a few of his famous friends, including Gary Cooper, enjoyed bird hunting in the Wood River Valley. If you are an avid bird hunter, some of the best hunting to be found in the northwestern United States is in the area surrounding Sun Valley, Idaho. The land is rich with chukars, pheasants, ducks and other upland game birds.

Big game hunting including deer, elk and moose also takes place in the fall in the upper areas of the Wood River Valley near Sun Valley. Also, the avid archery hunter will be happy to find bowhunting trips that range from backcountry elk bow hunting or bowhunting deer.

Where to go Hunting

From the trophy species of moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat to the more often hunted deer (mule deer and whitetails), elk and antelope, Central Idaho covers it all. Licenses and tags are available over the counter for almost every species. There are outfitters if you need them. The state is two-thirds public land and a new Fish and Game program called Access Yes! is opening up more private land every year.

The application period to apply for deer and elk controlled hunt tags is May 1st – June 5th. This can be done in person at any State of Idaho Fish and Game vendor or over the internet at the Idaho Fish and Game website. In order to enter the controlled hunt lottery, you must first purchase an Idaho hunting license. License and tag fees may be reviewed in the Idaho Big Game Regulations which can be picked up at any local vendor or downloaded from the Idaho Fish and Game website.

Guided Tours and Rentals

Outfitters and guides in the Wood River Valley can equip you with all you need – including the proper hunting license – and then take you to the best bird hunting you have ever experienced. In the fall, outfitters and guides are ready to enhance your big game hunting with full service hunting trips. Moose, elk, deer and other large animals are plentiful in the surrounding mountains. Be sure to check with the local officials for hunting season dates, rules, and regulations.